By Malcolm Mayhew  

There are now more zones in the ZIPZONE.   

Trinity Metro recently announced it has expanded the coverage areas of its burgeoning rideshare program. In addition to the Near Southside, ZIPZONE riders can now be zipped in between locations in the TCU area, the Fort Worth Zoo and the entertainment district along the West 7th corridor, including Crockett Row and Montgomery Plaza.   

Formerly known as the Near Southside ZIPZONE, the rideshare service will continue to include access to the hospitals and facilities within the Medical District and popular destinations along Magnolia Avenue, plus grocery stores and other businesses throughout the south side.  

Riders get zipped around in black luxury vans. Emblazoned with the word “ZIPZONE,” they’re hard to miss.   

Launched by Trinity Metro last year, ZIPZONE is an on-demand rideshare program that offers riders a local alternative to Lyft and Uber. It works in a similar way: Users download the ZIPZONE app onto their smart phones, add a credit or debit card for payment, then select their destination.

Unlike Lyft and Uber, whose rates fluctuate, fares are a flat $3 per person per ride. Rides are limited to trips between designated “zones,” such as the Fort Worth Zoo and the Near Southside.   

The service is ideal for early risers and night owls alike, operating 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday and 6:00 a.m. to midnight Thursday-Saturday.   

Day, week and monthly passes are available, too, and if you’re planning on doing a lot of zipping, they’re a good bargain. Unlimited ride passes are $5 a day. A seven-day pass is $25. A 31-day pass is $80. Bonus perk: All three passes are good for unlimited rides and transfers between TEXRail, Trinity Metro bus routes and TRE’s west zone. 

Riders are asked to follow COVID-related guidelines, including wearing a mask or face covering for the duration of their rides; washing or sanitizing hands before touching door handles; maintaining social distancing guidelines by riding in the backseats of vehicles; and staying home if they’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing flu-like symptoms.  

For a limited time, Trinity Metro is offering two free rides to new users with the promo code FTWWEB.   

ZIPZONE rides are also available in Crowley, Alliance Airport and north Fort Worth. For rides in those areas, please visit ridetrinitymetro.org or call 817-215-8600.